SUP ACCESSORIES GUIDE

STARTING THE SPORT WITHOUT ANY KNOWLEDGE?

Accessories and additional items to compliment your SUP can enhance your time on the water, but what to choose can be a difficult task.

Whether you are looking into your first wetsuit, need something just to take the chill off, or in need of a leash, SUP.co.uk have some pointers to set you on your way to a great session.

SUP’s trained staff who all paddleboard are always keen to help you, but first, check out our most commonly asked questions to get you started.

If you have a question that hasn't been answered here - you can simply call us on +44 (0) 121 544 2778 and we will be pleased to hear your query!

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR ON THE WATER?

Whilst you do not need SUP specific clothing, it is preferable to wear lightweight clothing that will keep you cool and maintains your core body temperature. In the inevitable event of a fall, you will need something to dry quickly.

SUP is now being introduced with waterwear specific to our sport and items such as quick drying tops and pants are becoming more readily available.

SPRING /AUTUMN

With temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees centigrade, we would recommend the following.

ALL-ROUND TOURING:

Base Layer Shirt with windstopper top to maintain body temperature, complete with neoprene shorts or pants.

SURF:

Full length wetsuit of at least 3mm to reduce windchill but maintain flexibility while swimming between waves.

RACE:

Neoprene top and pants or if preferred a long john to maintain free arm movement at all times.

Neoprene boots or shoes are also recommended for all activities.

SUMMER

With temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees centigrade, we would recommend the following.

ALL-ROUND TOURING:

Base Layer Shirt complete with neoprene shorts or pants.

SURF:

Full length wetsuit least 3mm or shorty to maintain core temperature.

RACE:

Quick dry shirt and shorts for maximum movement. Hydration pack for longer races.

Neoprene boots or shoes are also recommended touring and surf. Bare feet for racing.

WINTER

With temperatures ranging from 0 to 10 degrees centigrade, we would recommend the following.

ALL-ROUND TOURING:

Thermal top and windstopper with neoprene shorts or pants.

SURF:

Full length wetsuit least 5mm-6mm to maintain core temperature. Plus a neoprene hood to keep your head warm.

RACE:

Long sleeved neoprene top and pants.

Neoprene gloves, boots and buoyancy aids are also recommended for all activities.

SEE OUR RANGE OF WETSUITS
SEE OUR RANGE OF SUPWEAR

Why would I need a DRY BAG?

Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned professional, the Dry Bag is great way to store items whether it be a change of clothes, a book to read or a mobile phone for safety.

A 20-30 Litre drybag is ideal for the majority of items and will fit snug on your back without impeding your paddle stroke or fit on the nose of your board without drooping over the sides.

Smaller drybags are also useful for simply storing your phone and energy snacks if you just want to take a smaller journey.

SEE OUR RANGE OF DRY BAGS

Which PUMP is best for me?

With their compact design, durability and stiffness, inflatable stand-up paddle boards are winning over more and more users, whether for recreational use, touring, or even racing and surfing.

All inflatable SUP's models require a high inflation pressure, which makes a pump an essential accessory.

But what are the differences that make manufacturers produce different options.

SINGLE ACTION PUMP:

You can inflate a standard sized stand-up paddle with one of these pumps in approxmately 10 minutes as it only pumps air when you push down on the handle.

Please note, considering the pressure required to properly inflate an SUP (minimum 15 psi or approx. 1 bar), the final pump strokes are more difficult than the first.

You will need to use your body weight over the pump to be able to push down the piston to counter the resistance.

They are however very lightweight and ideal for taking with you should you need to pack down and setup again.

DOUBLE ACTION PUMP:

Pumps air into your SUP on both the up and down strokes reducing inflation time by 30% when compared to a single-action pump.

Lifting the handle on the up stroke can be more difficult than lowering it, the double-action pump though lets you switch back to single action to finish inflation, using force only when pushing down the handle when the pressure increases. This switch to single action means inflation takes longer but is less tiring.

These pumps are longer but narrower when compared to the single-action pump so more space would be need on your SUP if you were taking it with you.

TRIPLE ACTION PUMP:

Similar to the double-action pump system but with a double chamber to pump twice as much air with each stroke. This gives you the fastest hand pump on the market (60% time saving compared to a single-action pump).

To adapt to the increase in pressure and the increased effort needed to inflate, you would need to start with the double action on both chambers when the pressure is low at the beginning of inflation and when it becomes tiring, turn the dial to single action on two chambers and then finish on single action on a single chamber, requiring less effort and lengthening the inflation time a little.

Althought incredibly efficient, they can take up a lot of space on the nose of your sup when transporting.

ELECTRIC PUMP:

If you do not think that manual inflation is a good warm-up for stand-up paddle boarding or if you simply find it too difficult, get yourself an electric pump that plugs into a car cigarette lighter.

Set the pressure you want on the dial, press "on" and within 10 minutes your SUP is automatically inflated to 15 psi (if more pressure is required, check that the electric pump can reach it, otherwise you will have to finish inflating with a hand pump).

It is usually necessary to leave the engine of your car running during inflation so as not to drain the battery.

SEE OUR RANGE OF PUMPS

DO I NEED A LEASH?

Using a leash ensures that your board will stay close to you even if you fall or get knocked off of your board. However not all of need the same type of leash.

Whether you are in the sea, lake or in the rapids, it is generally considered to be best to stay with your board rather than try and swim to safety. Your paddle board is a giant buoyant float that even if you are not on yuor board can give you floatation and acts like a colourful beacon if you need to be rescued.

In general, an SUP leash should be approximately one foot (30cm) longer than your paddle board. The reason for this is that in the event of a recoil your board will snap back and hit you if the leash is too short. SUP leashes are not the same as surfing leashes and are normally too short and not thick enough for paddle boarders.

For the majority of flatwater /touring, the leash can be attached to your calf or ankle. River and rapid riders however should use a quick release leash and preferably one that can be worn at the waist so that it can be easily released.

SEE OUR RANGE OF LEASHES
Do I need a BUOYANCY AID?

Whether you choose a buoyancy vest or PFD (personal floatation device), any help staying afloat is vital especially in colder conditions and surf conditions. Not only will a buoyancy aid keep you afloat, but it will also help give you time to recover when you fall in!

Waist belt PFD's are also an option for calmer waters when help is nearby.

Ensure that any buoyancy aid is 50N or more to keep your head above water.

Most buoyancy aids come complete with oversized arm holes that will not get in the way of your paddling stroke and front or back pockets to store rescue essentials such as a phone, energy snacks or a rescue whistle.

When in surf style conditions, ensure the vest is adjusted tight to your body to reduce the chances of any waves pulling the vest from your body.

SEE OUR RANGE OF BUOYANCY AIDS

ANY QUESTIONS?

Get in touch and let us answer them for you.